Toungue Ties

Toungue Ties

What is tongue tie surgery?

A Tongue tie surgery is performed when an individual’s frenulum is too short or extends too close to the tip of the tongue.

The frenulum is the string of tissue underneath the tongue that tethers it to the floor of the mouth. Some individual’s frenulum is too short or extends too close to the tip of the tongue. In either case, adults will typically present with a lisp and swallowing can be effected.Neonates or children who present with speech or swallowing difficulty can take longer to present. In severe cases, new born babies can have difficulty breast feeding.

The Procedure

The tongue tie surgery can be performed under a local anaesthetic in a clinical setting, in adults. But kids, Dr Mooney prefers a quick general anaesthetic in a hospital setting.

It is a simple and safe procedure that will take approximately 15 minutes.

Tongue ties can re-scar in a small percentage of patients and if that happens, the procedure is repeated.

Please contact our Patient Coordinator through our Online Inquiry Form or call 02 8897 0079 to book a consultation today.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Frequently asked questions

The frenulum is the string of tissue underneath the tongue that tethers it to the floor of the mouth.
Some individual’s frenulum is too short or extends too close to the tip of the tongue.
In either case, speech and swallowing can be effected. In severe cases, new born babies can have difficulty breast feeding.

It is a fairly quick diagnoses and consult, as the problem can be seen as soon as the patient opens their mouth.
Neonates or children who present with speech or swallowing difficulty can take longer to present.

You will first be greeted by Dr Mooney’s receptionists, they will ask you to fill in a form with basic details.
This is followed by a formal consultation with Dr William Mooney.
He will assess your full medical history and examine the frenulum, tongue movement, assess the speech and swallowing.
Adults will typically present with a lisp and neonates or children who present with speech or swallowing difficulty can take longer to present.
We listen carefully to the concerns of each patient and their family.
Dr William Mooney will then discuss operative planning, risks and complications.
We always have at least two consultations before surgery.
This cooling off period is essential as this is such an important life decision. It is a healthcare stipulation for young patients but we apply to all patients.
At our subsequent consult, we discuss the finer details of the pre-operative treatment; what to wear, eat, think and do as your operation approaches.
Dr Mooney will not move forward until the patient and doctor are fully appraised and happy with the plan.

The tongue tie surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic in clinic, in adults.
But in kids, we prefer a quick general anaesthetic in a hospital setting.
It is a simple and safe procedure.
Tongue ties can re-scar in a small percentage of patients and if that happens we simply, repeat the procedure.

Dr Mooney and the pre-operative nurse will go through all of your operative planning a couple of weeks before tongue tie surgery.
Some food stuffs such as chilli, garlic and galangal do increase prolonged bruising.

Prior to your tongue tie procedure, patients are required to lock in the post-operative appointments with Dr Mooney and the post-operative nurses. Dr Mooney and the pre-operative nurse will go through all of your operative planning a couple of weeks before surgery.

Prior to your surgery, you may be advised to stop and start certain supplements and medication.
Dr Mooney and the pre-operative nurse will go through all of your operative planning a couple of weeks before surgery.
Good oral health is highly recommended.

Tongue tie surgery is performed at the following private hospitals: East Sydney Private, Bondi Junction Private, St Lukes Private and Strathfield Private Hospital.
Tongue tie surgery in adults, can be performed in a clinical setting.

A small portion of the tongue tie procedure may be claimed via Medicare. Depending on the level of health cover you have, there may be claimable items such as hospital cover. This will be determined following a consultation with Dr William Mooney.